In The City 2010: Brown Brogues

Between the 13th – 15th of October, Manchester plays host to the annual In the City festival. This year, it’s relocating to the Northern Quarter, and looks set to play host to the most exciting line-up in years, giving both the industry professionals and the normal gig goers a chance to get involved with it’s unique mix of exciting concerts and engaging keynote speakers. Wristbands are currently priced at £29, which gets you access to some of the best shows the city will see this year. If you’re not quite sure who to see yet, here’s some help:

This is the last call. If you have not jumped on the Brown Brogues bandwagon, then now is your moment. Excuses will no longer be accepted – everyone within a 50 mile radius has had the chance to see their ragtag, lo-fi rock and roll show in full flight through the countless gigs they’ve stomped and shredded through – and most of them have been free as well. They’ve had cassettes out, had an article in the Manchester Evening News and now they’re playing In The City. These are the last moments before the bandwagon official sets off – and it’s fair to say that it is pretty packed already.

Promoters themselves have been queueing up to find room for the Brogues on their shows, and it’s not difficult to hear why – the duo paint in broad, gritty strokes, anger bubbling below their blues infused ramshackle musings. Mark holds his guitar high and Ben bangs on a floor tom, making something that is instinctive rather than complex, a rough, grimy run through the backwaters on Lancashire. In the new year, they head to sunnier shores, with America beckoning them for a few months travel. Next year, if there’s any justice, the states should be demanding a tour. Perhaps then you’ll hope that you’d have jumped on the bandwagon when you’d had the chance.